Patient support with improved control

ABSTRACT

A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.14/719,671 (P-199B), filed on May 22, 2015, entitled PATIENT SUPPORTWITH IMPROVED CONTROL by Applicants Derick Elliot et al., which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/035,544 (P-102E), nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,126,571 issued Sep. 8, 2015, entitled HOSPITAL BED byApplicants Guy Lemire et al., which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 11/642,047 (P-102C), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,962,981, issued Jun.21, 2011, entitled HOSPITAL BED by Applicants Guy Lemire et al., whichclaims benefit of provisional application 60/874,287 (P-102), filed Dec.11, 2006, entitled HOSPITAL BED and provisional application 60/751,770(P-101) filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitled HOSPITAL BED; application Ser. No.13/035,544 (P-102E) filed on Feb. 25, 2011, entitled HOSPITAL BED byApplicants Guy Lemire et al., is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 11/260,452 (P-190A), now U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,271 issued Apr. 9,2013, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS, which claims benefit ofprovisional application 60/623,653 (P-190) filed Oct. 29, 2004, entitledPATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS; application Ser. No. 14/719,671 (P-199B)filed May 22, 2015 entitled PATIENT SUPPORT WITH IMPROVED CONTROL, is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 11/941,338 (P-199), which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/642,047 (P-102C), nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,962,981, issued Jun. 21, 2011, entitled HOSPITAL BED,which claims benefit of provisional application 60/874,287 (P-102),filed Dec. 11, 2006, entitled HOSPITAL BED and provisional application60/751,770 (P-101) filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitled HOSPITAL BED;application Ser. No. 11/941,338 (P-199) filed Nov. 16, 2007 entitledPATIENT SUPPORT WITH IMPROVED CONTROL is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 11/612,361 (P-102D), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,334issued Jan. 4, 2011 entitled HOSPITAL BED, which claims benefit ofprovisional application 60/874,287 (P-102), filed Dec. 11, 2006,entitled HOSPITAL BED and provisional application 60/751,770 (P-101)filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitled HOSPITAL BED; application Ser. No.11/941,338 (P-199) is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/612,428 (P-102A), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,690,059 issued Apr. 6, 2010entitled HOSPITAL BED, which claims benefit of provisional application60/874,287 (P-102), filed Dec. 11, 2006, entitled HOSPITAL BED andprovisional application 60/751,770 (P-101) filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitledHOSPITAL BED; application Ser. No. 11/941,338 (P-199) is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/612,405 (P-102B), nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,805,784, issued Oct. 5, 2010 entitled HOSPITAL BED,which claims benefit of provisional application 60/874,287 (P-102),filed Dec. 11, 2006, entitled HOSPITAL BED and provisional application60/751,770 (P-101) filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitled HOSPITAL BED.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of patientsupports, such as hospital beds. In particular, the invention relates toan improved control system that provides enhanced control of the patientsupport and accessories mounted at the patient support and, further,provides enhanced information related to the patient support and thepatient and, further, allows for improved monitoring of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support thatincorporates a controller that provides enhanced control over and/orinformation relative to one or more of the patient support functionsand, further, over information relating to the patient.

In one form of the invention, a patient support includes a patientsupport surface, a user interface, and a controller. The controller hasstored therein a plurality of prompts. The user interface is incommunication with the controller and is configured to select one ormore of the prompts from the prompts stored in the controller. Further,the user may generate or create a prompt to be stored in the controller.For example, the user may input or upload into the controller a promptstored on a network or from a storage device, such as a memory stick ordata card.

When a prompt is selected, the controller generates an output promptassociated with the selected prompt at the patient support in responseto a passage of time or in response to an input to provide a prompt tothe user. The prompts may include, for example, protocol reminders, suchas to turn or rotate the patient, to weigh the patient, to check thepatient's blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate, and other vitalsigns, to apply DVT prophylaxis, percussion, or vibration, to checkwounds, to administer oral care to the patient, to wash the patient, andto check the patient's position on the bed, to name a few. Alternately,the prompts may relate to conditions that the user selects to beinformed about—for example, when the bed is wet, the patient is inactivefor a selected period of time.

In one aspect, the patient support further includes a display, and theoutput prompt comprises a display image or text at the display.Alternately, the output may comprise an audible output.

In another aspect, the user interface includes a first user interfaceassociated with one of the prompts and a second user interfaceassociated with another of the prompts.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. For example, theuser interface may comprise at least one touch sensitive area of thetouch screen wherein the touch screen forms the user interface.

In a further aspect, the touch screen includes a plurality of sensitiveareas, with the sensitive areas forming a menu for the protocols.

According to another aspect, the patient support further includes aframe that supports the patient support surface and a footboard, withthe display mounted at the footboard. Further, the controller may bemounted at the footboard. In addition, the controller and the displaymay be a combined unit.

In yet another aspect, the patient support further comprises a seconduser interface, with the second user interface for selecting an alarmsetting that is stored in the computer for the selected prompt. Forexample, the second user interface may select a time or passage of timefor the selected prompt for the alarm to be triggered. When the alarmsetting is selected, the controller actuates the alarm in response tothe time or passage of time input for the selected prompt.

In a further aspect, the touch screen displays a first screen image anda second screen image. The first screen image displays the first userinterface, and the second screen displays the second user interface. Thesecond screen image includes a plurality of user interfaces in the formof touch sensitive areas that provide a menu of options relative to thealarm setting.

According to yet other aspects, the controller may be configured forstoring and collecting data, for example, related to a protocol.Additionally, the controller may have stored therein data related to aprotocol, for example, in the form of a look-up table. Further, thecontroller is adapted to compare collected protocol data to the storeddata to verify conformance. For example, the controller may comparepatient support surface movement collected by the controller to thestored data for patient support surface movement.

Other features may include the controller generating a report based onthe collected data and/or the controller communicating with a remoteuser to allow remote monitoring of the protocols. For example, thecontroller may create a report on the use of a particular protocol. Thecontroller may be in communication with a network that allows: a remoteuser to review the reports; generate a separate report based on thereport or reports generated by the controller or based on parametersselected by the network user; view the selected protocols for a givenpatient support; select other protocols from the available protocolsstored in the controller; and/or input a protocol to the controller, asnoted above, based on input from the network user.

In another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patientsupport surface, a plurality of sensors associated with the patientsupport for sensing at least two conditions at the patient support, apatient support-based controller in communication with the sensors,which is mounted at the patient support, and a display mounted at thepatient support. The controller is in communication with the display,and a user interface is also provided, which is operable to select oneof the conditions. When a condition is selected, the controller monitorsthe selected condition and generates a display at the display when theselected condition occurs.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. Further, thecontroller generates and displays a screen image at the touch screen.The screen image optionally includes a region forming the userinterface.

In a further aspect, the screen image includes a plurality of regionsforming a menu for selecting the conditions.

In another aspect, the patient support further comprises a second userinterface, which is used for selecting an alarm setting, which is storedin the computer, for the selected condition. When the alarm setting isselected, the controller actuates the alarm when the selected conditionoccurs.

In another aspect, the controller generates a second screen image at thetouch screen, which has a plurality of regions. The regions of thesecond screen image provide a menu of options relative to the alarmsetting.

According to another aspect, at least some of the sensors are loadcells, which are in communication with the controller. The controllermay use the signals from the load cells to determine whether the bed isoccupied or not, including when a patient is exiting a bed, or todetermine the weight of the patient. When the controller detects that apatient is exiting a bed, the controller may actuate an alarm. Thealarms setting may be selected based on a pressure trigger and anelapsed time. Further, the alarm may be trigger by movement or lack ofmovement. For example, the load cells may be used to calculate thecenter of gravity of the patient and the controller then may monitor thecenter of gravity and when it is detected that the center of gravity hasnot moved over a pre-selected period of time, the controller may triggerthe alarm.

Alternately, pressure sensors may be provided at the patient supportsurface, for example, in a mat that is placed over the patient supportsurface, such as the mattress, or may be located in the patient supportsurface. The pressure sensors may also be used to generate a pressuremap of the pressure readings taken by the sensors at the patientsurface. Knowing the pressure points on the patient support surface mayenable the healthcare worker to know whether a particular part of thepatient's body is vulnerable to forming sores and needs to be moved.When a high pressure point is detected, the patient's position may beadjusted by the care giver. Further, an alarm may be triggered when ahigh pressure point is detected. For example, the controller may monitorthe pressure points and when it is detected that the pressure pointshave exceeded a pre-selected value and, optionally, for a pre-selectedperiod of time, the controller may trigger the alarm.

Further, load cells or pressure sensors may be used to monitor the vitalsigns of a patient on the support. For example, the sensors may includetemperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the patient.Alternately, the patient support may incorporate a separate vital signsmonitoring device, such as is available from Phillips, which iscommunication with the bed network and controller. The controller thenmay display the vital signs data collected either by the controller fromthe bed-based sensors or from the separate vital signs monitoringdevice. Vital signs that can be monitored include temperature (asnoted), ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, or the like.

In another aspect, the patient support further includes a side rail. Thesensors may include at least one side rail sensor for detecting whetherthe side rail is lowered or not. The controller uses the signals fromthe side rail sensor to determine whether the side rail is lowered ornot.

Further, the patient support may include a brake, wherein the sensorsinclude a brake sensor for detecting whether a brake is on or off, andwith the controller using a signal from the brake sensor to determinewhether the brake is on or off.

In yet another form of the invention, a patient support includes apatient support surface, a device associated with the patient supportfor sensing or controlling a parameter at the patient support, a patientsupport-based controller which is mounted in the patient support, and adisplay mounted at the patient support. The controller is incommunication with the device and the display. A user interface isprovided that is in communication with the controller, which is operableto select the parameter for display at the display. When selected, thecontroller monitors the device and generates a display at the displayassociated with the parameter.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. Further, thecontroller generates a screen image at the touch screen, which mayinclude a region that forms the user interface.

In a further aspect, the screen image may include a text window fordisplaying the parameter.

In another aspect, the device comprises a plurality of pressure sensors,for example load cells, that are in communication with the controllerand which can be used to determine the weight of the patient, the vitalsigns of the patient, whether the patient has high pressure points,and/or if the patient has exited the bed.

In another aspect, the device comprises an angle sensor for detectingthe angle of the patient support surface.

In yet another aspect, the patient support surface includes a mattress,such as a mattress that includes a plurality of, bladders, and thedevice comprises a controller, for example, a mattress-based controller,which may control one or more functions of the mattress, for example,the mattress firmness or treatment provided by the mattress, includingfor example, percussion, vibration or patient turning.

According to another form of the invention, a patient support includes apatient support surface, a frame, which supports the patient supportsurface, at least one actuator for adjusting the patient support surfaceor the frame, and a patient support-based controller. The controller isin communication with the actuator and operable to send drive signals tothe actuator and, further, is mounted at the patient support. A displayis also mounted at the patient support, which is in communication withthe controller. A user interface is provided that is in communicationwith the controller and which is operable to send an input signal to thecontroller. The controller communicates a drive signal to the actuatorin response to the input and indicates a parameter at the display of thepatient support surface or the frame associated with driving theactuator. For example, when driving an elevation mechanism actuator, theparameter may comprise the height of the patient support surface. Whendriving an actuator that changes the configuration of the patientsupport surface, the parameter may comprise the angle of the patientsupport surface or the angle of one section of the support surface.

In one aspect, the actuator adjusts the firmness of the patient supportsurface. In this case, the parameter may be the amount of firmness.

In another aspect, the actuator generates vibration at the patientsupport surface. For example, the vibration can be used as therapy forthe patient.

In yet another aspect, the actuator adjusts the angle the patientsupport surface. For example, the frame optionally includes a deckframe, with the deck frame having a plurality of deck sections thatsupport the patient support surface, with the actuator adjusting theangle of at least one deck section to thereby adjust the angle of thepatient support surface.

According to yet another aspect, the actuator may adjust the elevationof the frame.

In other aspects, the display comprises a touch screen. The userinterface comprises at least one sensitive area of the touch screenwherein the touch screen forms the user interface.

The display may, for example, be mounted in a footboard of the patientsupport.

According to another form of the invention, a patient support includes apatient support surface, a controller, and a display mounted at thepatient support. The controller is in communication with the display,which includes at least one user interface operable to input an inputsignal into the controller.

In one aspect, the controller translates or converts the input signalinto an output signal having a different format from the input signal.For example, the controller may generate an image at the display, whichmay display text or a numerical value at the display responsive to theoutput signal from the controller.

In another aspect, the output comprises an audible output, for examplethrough a microphone at the patient support. For example, when differentformat comprises a different language, the output may in the form of aspoken translation or a translated text message at the display.

For example, the controller may display a plurality of selected phrases,with the user interface operable to select one of the phrases as inputto the controller. Thereafter, the controller generates an output whichis a translation of the phrase. In addition, the controller may havestored there in the phrase(s) in multiple languages and further allowsthe user to select the language. Additional features may include acollection of words and phrases so that the user may select words and/orphrase to construct a sentence, which is then translated by thecontroller into the language selected by the user. These constructedsentences may then be stored for later use. Examples of suitable phrasesmay relate to patient movement or to safety issues.

In a further aspect, the controller may be coupled to a voice recorderand player, for example an MP3 player. In this manner, a user may recorda phrase or phrases at the patient support using the controller forlater use. In addition, the controller may select a phrase to be playedin response to a condition on the patient support. For example, thecontroller may be program to play the phrase “stay in the bed” or thelike in response to the load cells generating signals indicative of anundesired impending bed exit by the patient.

Further, these phrases may be stored in a foreign language. For example,a user may select the output language, including for displayed text forthe patient or phrases that are played at the bed.

In another aspect, the different format comprises a different scale. Forexample, the controller may include stored therein a formula or alook-up table for converting the input into the output.

In yet another aspect, the user interface is operable to input bed usageinformation to the controller. For example, the user interface may beconfigured to: input a room assignment for the bed; patient relateddata; and/or nurse related information. The user interface may comprisea keyboard, including a keyboard on a touch screen so that the user maykey in the information. Further, this information may be displayed, forexample, at a display at the bed (for example at the footboard display)or at a display remote from the bed, for example at a nurses' station.

Alternately, or in addition, the patient support may include a voicerecognition system, which is in communication with the controller andmay be used to input data or commands into the controller. For example,a user may speak into the voice recognition software microphone andstate, for example, bed usage information, which is then converted intoinput data for the controller by the voice recognition system software.Further, functions on the bed may be triggered by input generated by thevoice recognition system. For example, a user may state a commandrelative to a function on the bed, for example to raise the head end ofthe bed, which command is then converted by the voice recognitionsoftware into an input command signal, which when received by thecontroller will generate an actuation signal associated with thefunction of the command, for example a drive signal to the head endactuator. The user may be a health care provider or the patient.

According to yet another form of the invention, a patient supportincludes a patient support surface, a patient support-based controllermounted in the patient support, and a display mounted at the patientsupport. The controller has stored therein a plurality of options andparameters associated with the option. The controller is incommunication with the display for displaying the options at thedisplay. A user interface is provided that is in communication with thecontroller and operable to select one of the options and, further,operable to select a parameter from the stored parameters associatedwith a selected option for display at the display.

In one aspect, the options include an accessory control. For example,the patient accessory control may comprise a light or a televisioncontrol. For the light, the parameter may comprise brightness. For thetelevision control, the parameter may comprise a pre-selectedconfiguration.

In another aspect, the options include a data listing. For example, thedata listing may include a data listing of bed or patient parameters,including a bed height or angle history or a patient's weight history.The parameters may also include the time and date of when the data wascollected.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support withimproved control and information relating to the patient support and/orthe patient.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of theinvention will become more apparent from the study of the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the patient support of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a patient control panel of the controlmodule of present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1 with theheadboard, footboard and side rails removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the deck assembly of the patient supportFIG. 3 with the deck cover removed to illustrate the controller;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the patient support electricalarchitecture;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base and load frame of patientsupport of FIG. 1 with the deck and headboard, footboard, and side railsremoved for clarity;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the head and seat portions ofthe deck support;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of head and foot portions of the decksupport;

FIG. 9 is the bottom view of the actuation of the head portion of thedeck support;

FIG. 10 is a large perspective view of the foot board of the patientsupport apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10 illustrating the control panel in atilted position;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the patient support of thepresent invention with the mattress removed for clarity illustrating theside rails in a raised position;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the patient support illustratingthe deck articulated to provide a sitting position for the patient;

FIG. 14 is a similar view to FIG. 13 illustrating the deck in anarticulated position with one of the side rails lowered;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the base frame and brakingsystem;

FIGS. 16-49 illustrate various screen images provided by the controllerat the display;

FIG. 50 illustrates a flowchart of additional features that may beprovided by the control system of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating a further refinement of a protocolreminder menu or module;

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating the features of an optionaltranslation module;

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating a bed usage information module thatmay be used by the control system of the present invention; and

FIG. 54 illustrates a flowchart of patient conditions that may bemonitored by the control system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a patientsupport of the present invention. As will be more fully described below,patient support 10 incorporates a control system with one or morecontrollers that enhance the ability of the user, such as a medical careprovider, to control various functions on patient support 10 and,further, to input information, data, or settings into the control systemto enhance the care of the patient. For the purpose of this description,patient support 10 will be described hereinafter as a bed 10; however itshould be noted that the concepts of present invention may beincorporated into other patient supports, including stretchers, cots, orthe like.

Bed 10 includes a base 12 and a patient support surface 14, which issupported by base 12. Patient support surface 14 is mounted to base 12for vertical movement relative to base 12 and is raised and loweredrelative to base 12 by an elevation mechanism 16 (FIG. 6), whichincorporates a pair of actuators 18 and 20 (FIGS. 3 and 6), more fullydescribed in the above-referenced applications, namely, U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/642,047; 11/612,361; 11/612,405; and11/612,428, all entitled HOSPITAL BED and commonly assigned to StrykerCorporation of Kalamazoo, Mich. In addition to actuators 18 and 20, bed10 includes actuators 24, 26, and 28 (FIGS. 7-9) to adjust theorientation of the patient support surface 14 and an actuator 29 (FIG.15) to actuate brakes at the bed casters. For further details of theoperation of the various actuators reference is made to the aboveincorporated patent applications.

Referring again to FIG. 1, patient support surface 14 includes amattress 15 and a deck frame assembly 22 (FIG. 3) with a head decksection 22 a, a seat deck section 22 b, and a foot deck section 22 c,each of which can be adjusted to a different orientation by actuators24, 26, and 28 to adjust the angular position of the mattress, alsodescribed in the pending applications. Mattress 15 may comprise aconventional mattress, include a foam mattress, or a mattress thatincorporates one or more bladders that can be inflated by an actuator,such as a pump, to turn the patient or can be inflated and deflated toadjust the firmness of the mattress or to induce vibration forpercussion treatment or the like. Further the mattress 15 mayincorporate a mattress-based controller 15 a (FIG. 5) in the mattress,for example a PCB board with a microprocessor and associated circuitry,for powering the various devices in the mattress, which actuates thepump and valves to inflate or deflate the bladders to control variousparameters at the surface. For example, mattress-based controller 15 amay be used to adjust the stiffness of the mattress and/or providetreatment at the mattress, for example, by using the inflation ordeflation of the bladders to provide percussion, vibration, or turningof the patient. As described in the referenced patent applications,mattress-based controller 15 a may be coupled to a pendent type display,which provides one or more user actuatable devices, such as buttons,touch screen areas, including a menu, or the like to allow a user toinput command signals to the mattress-based controller to control thepump and valves and hence the flow of fluid in and out of the bladders.Further, the display may display an icon or image associated with theparameter being controlled by the mattress-based controller.Alternately, the mattress-based controller may be coupled directly tothe bed-based controller described more fully below in lieu of thependent display so that the functions or status of the mattress, as wellas of the bed, may be displayed and controlled from one location at thebed. With this arrangement, the mattress may include a connector, whichis electrically coupled to for example to the PCB, for coupling thebed-based controller to the mattress-based controller, which allowspower and signals to be transferred to the mattress-based controllerthrough the connector. For example, the connector may be located at theside of the mattress as shown in one or more of the referencedapplications or at the foot end of the mattress.

Alternately, the bed-based controller may be incorporated into themattress. For example, the controller may be incorporated into the pumpenclosure provided in the mattress (similar to the mattress-basedcontroller) or into another enclosure incorporated into the mattress. Asdescribed in the referenced applications, the enclosure may be locatedat the foot end of the mattress, for example, in a recess provided inthe mattress. In this application, the bed and mattress could beprovided with one or more connectors for electrically coupling thevarious devices on the bed to the controller through the connector orconnectors. A suitable connector may include a combined power and signalconnector, which includes cabling for power and cabling for signals, ormay include separate power connectors and signal connectors. Forexample, the bed connector may be provided in the footboard orheadboard, with the corresponding connector in the mattress provided atthe foot end or head end of the mattress. In this manner, the mattressmay be plugged in the bed (or vice versa)

Further, the footboard may be configured to accommodate the pumpenclosure and/or controller enclosure, which as noted may be located atthe foot end of the mattress. For example, the footboard may include arecess to accommodate the pump enclosure and/or controller enclosure.Alternately, the footboard may be configured to receive the pumpenclosure and/or controller enclosure, with connections provided at themattress for coupling the pump and valves in the pump enclosure to thebladders in the mattress.

For examples of suitable mattresses, bladders, and mattress-basedcontrols reference is made herein to U.S. Provisional applicationentitled, A PATIENT LYING SURFACE WITH TURN-ASSIST, Ser. No. 60/866,206,filed Nov. 16, 2006; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/260,452, filedOct. 27, 2005 entitled PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/381,631, filed May 4, 2006 entitled VIBRATINGPATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH A RESONANT REFERENCING PERCUSSION DEVICE;and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,669, filed May 4, 2006,entitled VIBRATING PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH A SPRING LOADEDPERCUSSION DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,179,742; 5,542,136; 5,325,551;6,699,266, all commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo,Mich., which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

As noted above, bed 10 incorporates a control system with at least onecontroller 25 (FIGS. 4 and 5), which provides control of the variousactuators on bed 10 and, further, senses the status of various bedparameters or conditions at the bed using sensors (e.g. load cells, tiltsensors, etc.) also described in the referenced applications.Additionally, as noted above, controller 25 may communicate with otherdevices at the bed, for example, a mattress-based controller (e.g.controller 15 a) to provide and/or receive input to and/or from themattress-based controller to control the functions of the mattressand/or to display information relative to the mattress, as will be morefully described below.

The sensors may include load sensors, side rail sensors, brake sensors,temperature sensors, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, or the like.Controller 25 may be in communication with other devices on or near thebed, for example, accessories, such as lights, a TV, speakers mounted inthe bed, microphones, recording/playing devices, such as an MP3 player,or a universal serial bus (USB) device, or the like. Further, as will bemore fully described below, bed 10 includes a control module 30 thatallows a user, such as a healthcare worker, to input information,parameters and/or data into controller 25 and, further, to selectvarious bed functions and protocols, which may be stored in controller25 and then displayed at display 38 of module 30. Additionally, a USBdevice may be used to input information or upload data to thecontroller, including additional modules or the like. As would beunderstood, the USB device may also be used to download information fromthe controller.

Controller 25 is a bed-based controller and includes at least onecentral processor, software or programmable logic, and one or morestorage or memory devices, as well as other accessories noted above.Further, controller 25 may be coupled to a USB port to allow data to betransferred to or from the controller through a memory device, as amemory stick or card, as noted above. In addition to providing thenecessary algorithms to control and/or monitor functions and conditionsat bed 10, including controlling the actuators and accessories at ornear the bed, the software provides a graphic user interface (GUI) toorganize to a multitude of functions at the bed as well as at controlmodule 30. The GUI is configured to generate a variety of screen imagesat display 38, including symbols, such as icons, text, and/or numericalvalues, and/or text windows, in a number of different arrangements foreach of the functions at the bed, including the bed status andconfiguration as well as to the patient status and, further, may bereconfigurable so that the screen images at display 38 may be customizedand reconfigured as the user selects, all more fully described below.

Alternately, display 38 may be controlled and configured by a controller26, which is a control module-based controller or a controller that ispart of the display, which similarly includes a central processor andsoftware and optionally one or more storage or memory devices dependingon the number and complexity of functions to be controlled by thecontroller. Again, controller 26 may be coupled to a USB port to allowdata to be transferred to or from controller 26, using for example, amemory device, such as a memory stick or memory card. Further, controlmodule 30 may be configured to accept “plug-in” modules, which havetheir own processors and storage devices and which add additionalfeatures or functions to the controller. For example, a “plug-in” modulemay be used to expand the number of protocols, the number of phrases fortranslation, the number of languages into which the phrases can betranslated, etc., described more fully below. Again, the software in thecontroller provides a GUI to organize the functions at display 38 and togenerate screen images with various symbols and/or text windows and toallow the user to interface with the module based or display basedcontroller 26.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10-12, control module 30 includes acontrol panel 30 a and is mounted in the footboard 32 of bed 10. Controlmodule 30 includes a housing 34 that is mounted for pivotable movementin footboard 32 and, further, in a manner so that the control module maybe removed from the bed, as described in the reference applications.While references are made to the pending application for additionaldetails, it should be understood that the present invention may beincorporated into other patient supports, and the references to theapplications are for examples only.

Control panel 30 a also includes a plurality of user interfaces 36 and adisplay 38, such as a touch screen display 38 a. User interfaces 36,which are in communication with the controller (25 or module- ordisplay-based controller), allow the user to select which prompts,conditions, features/accessories, or information that the user wishes toset, manage/monitor, control or review. As used herein, the term“prompt” is used broadly to mean any icon or text or indicator,including an audible indicator, that reminds the user of, for example, aprotocol or a condition at the bed or a condition of a patient. Furtheras would be understood by those skilled in the art, the controller hasstored therein a specified function associated with each user interfaceso that when a user interface is selected, the user interface willgenerate a signal to the controller, which will be identified by thecontroller and initiate processing on behalf of the controllerassociated with that function. For example, as will be more fullydescribed below, some functions associated with the user interfaces areactuating functions, e.g. driving an actuator on the bed to raise orlower the bed or a section of the bed; others relate to storing andmonitoring of parameters at the bed, e.g. the storing of patient weightor movement or other patient parameters or bed parameters, such as thebed angle or bed height, which are detected by sensors at the bed andwhich are monitored by the controller either continuously or whenprompted by the user.

Further, user interfaces may be configured as a keyboard (including atouch screen keyboard) to enter information, for example, patientinformation, including bed assignment and room assignment information,the nurse assignment information, treatment protocols, if not alreadystored on the controller, and any other suitable information into thecontroller that could assist in the care and handling of the patient.Further, control panel 30 a may incorporate one or more operationalfunctions, including a translator, calculator, or conversion function.

In illustrated embodiment, user interfaces 36 comprise keypad-likebuttons, which may be actuated by simply pressing the button; though, itshould be understood that user interfaces 36 may comprise other userinterfaces, such as areas on touch screen 38 a or another touch screenprovided at control panel 30 a. Though reference is made to “touch”screen it should be understood that this use of “touch screen” coversscreens that are sensitive to pressure or changes in magnetic field,capacitance, optical interference, or resistance. Further, the userinterface may comprise a voice recognition system, including amicrophone and voice recognition software, which may be stored in thecontroller.

When configured as a keypad (or touch screen area) optionally each userinterface 36 includes an icon or text associated therewith to representthe prompt, condition, feature, or function that the user interface isassociated. For example, with reference to FIG. 2 user interface 36 aincludes an “i” to designate the iBed™ functions of bed 10 availablefrom Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Mich. User interface 36 bincludes an icon in the form of a graphical representation of thepatient support surface. User interface 36 c includes text, namely, “BedControls” to indicate the type of bed control function associate withthe user interface. User interface 36 d includes an icon in the form ofa lock to indicate a locking function. User interface 36 e includes anicon in the form of a scale to indicate a weighing or scale function.User interface 36 f includes text, namely, “Bed Exit”, to indicate a bedexit function. User interface 36 g includes text, namely, “Options”, toindicate other features/accessories and functions that are associatedwith the user interface, including setting the time, controlling thesettings, such as for a TV or light, changing the language that isdisplayed by the display or displays at the patient support, reviewingthe bed or patient history, and maintenance functions, all more fullydescribed below.

In addition, control panel 30 a includes a second set of user interfaces40. In the illustrated embodiment, user interfaces 40 comprise buttons40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d, all of which provide input into controller25 (or the module or display based controller, again, more fullydescribe below), which in turn processes the input. For example, thecontroller may, in response to the input from a button 40 a, generatedrive signals for one or more of the actuators on the bed to configurethe bed into a commonly used configuration such as an HOB 30°orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, when button 40 b isselected, the controller may generate drive signals to one or moreactuators to configure the bed in another commonly used configuration,such as a vascular position configuration. When button 40 c is pushed,the controller may generate drive signals to actuate, for example, thebrake on the bed. Similarly, when button 40 e is pressed, the controllermay generate signals to deactivate the brake. Button 40 d triggers thecontroller to generate drive signals to drive, for example a fifth wheelon the bed (see reference application for a description of a suitablebed driver).

Further control panel 30 a includes a plurality of indicators 42, suchas LED lights or the like, which indicate the status of various featuresat the bed. The indicators may, as a part of the bed indication system,indicate whether the bed is in a desired or undesired configuration,i.e. when one or more of the monitored conditions are either in anundesirable state or a desired state.

For example, the indicators may indicate the bed exit status (such aswhether the bed exit system is enabled) or a bed status, such as when aside rail is down, the brake is not set, the on-board battery is low, tocall maintenance, and a lock out status. When used to define whether amonitored condition is in a desired state, indicators 42 may comprise agreen light to indicate the condition is in a desired configuration forthat function. Where the condition is not in a desired state, an amberor red indicator light may be used. In addition to the indicator lights,an additional indicator may be provided, such as an audible alarm orwarning, or the like, whether locally mounted on the bed or mounted offthe bed, for example in the room. As will be more fully described below,text displayed on touch screen 38 a may also provide additionalinformation as to the condition (or conditions of the bed) when thecondition (or conditions are) indicated to be not in their desiredstate.

As previously mentioned, the controller is in communication with boththe user interfaces and the display and, further, generates a display atthe touch screen 38 a in response to actuation of a user interface. Forexample, when a user interface 36 is actuated, the controller generatesa screen image at touch screen 38 a that is associated with theparticular user interface that is selected. As noted above, thecontroller may comprise a computer that has display 38 as part of thecomputer.

When any one of the user interfaces 36 is selected and actuated, by, forexample, being touched, a display screen image associated with the userinterface that is selected will be generated by the graphic userinterface of the controller. Referring to FIGS. 16, 28, and 40, eachuser interface includes one or more screen images to provide enhancedfunctionality and care of the patient. Further, the screen imagesprovide menus and in some cases windows for text and/or icons, which mayprovide a graphical representation of the function being selected.

iBed Functions

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the iBed user interface 36 a isselected, screen image 50 will be generated by the controller anddisplayed at touch screen 38 a. Screen image 50 provides a menu andincludes a plurality of additional user interfaces in the form of touchsensitive areas of the screen image that generate and send signals tothe controller to generate further screen images for further options andselections.

As best seen in FIG. 18, screen image 50 includes a touch screen area 50a for selecting options relative to the bed position, a touch screenarea 50 b for selecting protocol prompts or reminders, a touch screenarea 50 c for selecting a calculator function, a touch screen area 50 dfor selecting a conversion function, and a touch screen area 50 e forselecting a translation function. It should be understood that whenreference is made to a user interface being actuated by a user, such asby applying pressure to the user interface, the user interface generatesa signal to the controller, which in turn generates a signal responsiveto the user interface function. For example, where the user interface isassociated with a bed position, the controller will generate a drivesignal to the respective actuator.

When touch screen area 50 a is selected by a user, a bed position screenimage 52 is generated the controller and displayed at display 38, whichis best seen in FIG. 19. Bed position screen image 52 also includes amenu in the form of a plurality of touch screen areas 52 a associatedwith a bed position condition, including, for example, right head siderail up, right foot side rail up, brake on, bed at low height, bed exitactivated, left head side rail up, left foot side rail up, fowler anglesuperior to 30 degrees, bed supine, and vascular position. When a touchscreen area 52 a is selected by the user, an icon will appear in awindow 52 b indicating that the particular bed position conditionassociated with the screen area 52 a has been selected.

Further, screen image 52 includes a touch screen area 52 c which whenselected allows the user to indicate to the controller when a selectedbed position condition is to be monitored. Touch screen area 52 d allowsa user to deselect all the bed position conditions from being monitored.Further, touch screen area 52 e allows a user to select an alarm, forexample an audible alarm, to be activated when a bed position conditionthat is monitored by the controller occurs.

When touch screen area 52 e is actuated, another screen image 53 isgenerated by the controller and displayed at display 30, which allowsthe user to select whether or not the audible alarm will be actuated bythe controller and further to select the volume of the alarm. Forexample, screen image 53 includes a plurality of touch screen areas togenerate signals to the controller, which in turn generates controlsignals relative to the alarm. For the illustrated embodiment, touchscreen 53 includes a touch screen area 53 a, which when pressedgenerates a signal to the controller, which then flags the alarm foractuation when actuate the selected bed condition being monitoredoccurs. Screen 53 also may include touch screen areas 53 b and 53 c,which are provided to signal to the controller to increase or decreasethe volume of the alarm. Screen 53 further may include an area 53 d tosignal to the controller to test the alarm so that a user may determinewhether the volume is sufficient and, further, whether it is working. Inaddition, touch screen image 53 may include an area 53 e which whenactuated generates a signal to the controller to cancel the alarm. Aftera preselected period of time has elapsed as measured by the controller,controller then closes screen 53 and returns display 38 to screen 52.Once returned to screen 52, a user may close screen 52 using touchscreen area 52 f, which returns the display to the iBed screen image 50.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 22, when region 50 b is selected, thecontroller will generate and display a protocol reminder screen image 54at display 38, which displays a menu of protocols that can be selectedby the user. In the illustrated embodiment, screen image 54 includes amenu of nine protocols, for example, for: turning the patient, weighingthe patient, checking the patient's blood sugar, rotating the patient,applying DVT prophylaxis, applying percussion, for intake/outtake, foradministering oral care to the patient, washing the patient's hands. Itshould be understood that the number of protocols may be reduce orincreased. Additional or alternate protocols that may be includedinclude protocols relating to: infection control or wound care, such aschecking a patient's dressing; checking the patient's vitals, includingchecking the patient's heart rate, the patient's temperature, oxygenlevels; checking the cleanliness of the bed; checking the patient'srestraints when the patient is restrained; and generally checking thepatient's position on the bed to minimize the risk of the patientfalling or getting trapped in a undesirable position on the bed.Further, as will be more fully described below, protocols may be createdusing the protocol reminder user interface.

As best seen in FIG. 23, screen image 54 includes nine touch screenareas 54 a, each associated with a protocol, such as the protocolslisted above, which are stored in the controller's memory or storagedevice, for example in a look up table. When one of the touch screenareas 54 a is selected, the protocol associated with that touch screenarea (denoted in the illustrated embodiment by text—though icons couldalso be used) will be stored in the controller's memory or storagedevice as a selected protocol. Further, once a touch screen area 54 a isselected, the controller will generate another screen image 56, whichalso has a plurality touch screen areas that allow the user to set oneor more parameters associated with the protocol. For example, touchscreen 56 includes touch screen areas 56 a that select the time, namelyhour, minutes, and AM or PM, to be associated with that particularselected protocol (identified in window 56 b) and the time at whichcontroller will generate a prompt or reminder to be generated at display38 and/or to actuate the alarm. Further, touch screen 56 may alsoinclude a touch screen area 56 c that allows the user to add theprotocol and its associated reminder time to a protocol reminder list(FIG. 24) stored in the controller's memory or storage device. Onceadded to the list, the controller will close screen image 56 and returnto screen image 54.

Referring again to FIG. 23, screen image 54 is provided a touch screenarea 54 b which when actuated generates a signal to the controller todisplay the reminder list to allow a user to view the reminder list. Forexample, when area 54 b is selected, a reminder list screen image 55(FIG. 24) is displayed by the controller at display 38, which includes awindow 55 b that displays in text form each reminder that has beenselected and its associated reminder time and also a plurality of touchscreen areas 55 a, 55 c, 55 d, and 55 e, which allow the user to modifythe list. For example, touch screen areas 55 c and 55 e allow the userscroll through the list of reminders in window 55 b. Using touch screenarea 55 d, the user can then select an entry from the list, which causesthe controller to display screen image 56 (but with the selected entrydisplayed at display 56 b), which allows the user to change the time forthe selected protocol from the list in window 55 b. Touch screen areas55 a, 55 f, and 55 g are provided that generate a signal to thecontroller to remove a protocol from the list when it is selected (bytouch screen area 55 d); remove all reminders; or close the screen imageto return to the reminder screen image 54, respectively.

Screen image 54 also provides a touch screen area 54 c for setting anaudible alert as the reminder. When actuated, screen area 54 c signalsto the control system to display screen image 53, which allows the userto actuate the audible alarm setting for the selected protocols in theprotocol list and, further, to set the volume of the alarm, as well astest the alarm, as noted above. In addition to providing a menu ofspecific protocols, the controller may initially generate a menu ofcategories of protocols, which when selected generate another touchscreen with a menu of the specific protocols associate with the selectedcategory. For, example, a touch screen display may list reminder groups,such as skin care, pulmonary, fall prevention, neurological,gastrointestinal, patient weight, mobility, blood, or a restraintcategory. Once the category is selected, the controller will thengenerate a list of protocols for that category—e.g. for the pulmonarygroup, the controller may list for example, HOB Elevation, DVTProphylaxis, Rotation Percussion, Sedation Assessment, Daily SedationVacation, Stress Ulcer Prophlaxis, Oral Care, Vibration Times, etc.

In addition to allowing the user to select which bed conditions orpatient conditions are to be monitored and to select protocols forprompts or reminders, screen image 50 provides computational functions.As best seen in FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, when touch screen area 50 c or 50d is selected, the controller will display a computer screen image 57(FIG. 20) or a conversion screen image 58 (FIG. 21), respectively.Screen image 57 is configured as a calculator with a plurality of touchscreen areas 57 a for inputting numerical values into the controller andselecting the operations to be performed on the numerical values by thecontroller, which are input using the touch screen areas. Screen image57 also includes a window 57 b that displays the input values and theresults of the operation performed the input values (into thecontroller) and a touch screen area 57 c that allows the user to signalto the controller to switch to the conversion screen image 58. Further,screen image 57 includes a screen area 57 d to send a signal to thecontroller to close the screen image (57) and return to screen image 50.

Screen image 58 is similarly provided with screen areas 58 a forinputting numerical values and selecting the conversion operations to beperformed by the controller on the numerical values that are input intothe controller and a window 58 b that displays the input and results.Screen image 58 also includes a touch screen area 58 c for signaling thecontroller to close the touch screen image (58) and return to touchscreen image 50. Screen 58 also includes a touch screen area 58 d thatallows the user to signal to the controller to switch to the calculatortouch screen image (57).

In addition, iBed screen image 50 provides a translation function. Whentouch screen area 50 e is selected, translation touch screen image 59(FIG. 27) will be generated and displayed by the controller at display38. Screen image 59 provides a menu of phrases and includes a pluralityof touch screen areas 59 a, each associated with a phrase. When a phraseis selected by the user, the controller will then generate anotherscreen image 60, which provides a menu of languages into which thephrase can be translated and includes a touch screen area 60 aassociated with each language. Once the user selects the language, thecontroller will generate yet another screen image 61 with two textwindows 61 a and 61 b, one that displays the original phrase (61 a) tobe translated and the other to display the translation (61 b). Each ofthe screen images may include a screen area (59 b, 60 b, and 61 c) toclose the respective screen image—alternately, the controller may closethe screen images after a pre-selected period of time has elapsed, asmeasured by the controller.

Optionally, rather that the user reciting the translation, thecontroller may be configured to play a pre-recorded message (in forexample an MP3 player or other recording/playing device) containing thephrase using the speakers at the head end of the bed or using speakersprovided at the footboard, including in control module 30.

Support Surface

Returning again to FIG. 2, when user interface 36 b is selected,controller will generate a touch screen image 62 (see FIGS. 28 and 30),which displays various features related to the mattress and in theillustrated embodiment includes a menu of functions relating to thepatient surface, namely the mattress. In the illustrated embodiment,display image 62 (FIG. 29) includes user interfaces for generatingsignals to the controller to adjust the firmness of the support surface,as well as turning of the patient. To achieve this, the menu is providedby a plurality of touch screen areas 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 62 d, 62 e, and62 f, which generate a signal to the controller to turn the patient (62a), for example by actuating the inflation of bladders provided at thepatient support surface, to provide maximum inflation (62 b) of thebladders, to stop the inflation (62 c), to increase or decrease thefirmness (62 d) by adjusting the air in the bladders, to reset the CPR(62 e), and to lock the bed functions from access to the patient (62 f).

Further, indicators 62 g, such as regions of the screen that changecolor, for example, may be associated with each function and indicatewhen a particular function is selected. In addition, indicators 62 g canbe provided to indicate a parameter of the function. For example, thefirmness function may have a series of indicators 62 g to provide anindication of the degree of firmness to thereby provide feedback to theuser. Although not illustrated, screen image 62 may also include a touchscreen area to allow a user to close the screen image and return tostarting screen image at touch screen 38 a (FIG. 2).

A second screen image 64 is generated by the controller with theselection of touch screen area 636 b. Screen image 64 includes aplurality of touch screen areas 64 a also associated with the patientsurface of the bed, which include for example a rotation function toinflate portions of the mattress to rotate the patient, a percussiontreatment function, a vibration function, a maximum inflate function, afirmness function, and a turn assist function. Additional touch screenareas are included that provide start and stop functions (64 b), allow auser to select for example, the angle of rotation (64 c) when the turnassist function (64 a) is selected. Further, touch screen areas 64 d areprovided to allow a user to select a time and also the length of thetreatment in the case of the vibration and or percussion treatment, aswell as the level of intensity. Additional touch screen areas 64 e areprovided to lock or un-lock various features of the various functions ofdisplay screen image 64. Touch screen area 62 f is provided to turn offthe alarm at the bed, and touch screen area 64 g allows the user to lookup information about the patient, which may be stored in the controller.

Once the functions of screen images 63 and 64 are completed, or apre-selected time has elapsed as measured by the controller, thecontroller may, rather than returning to starting screen image at screen38 a, display a bed control screen image 66, described more fully belowin reference to when user interface 36 c is selected.

Bed Controls

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 30, when user interface 36 c is selected by auser, the controller will generate bed control screen image 66. Screenimage 66 includes a plurality of user interfaces in the form of touchscreen areas 66 a, which allow a user to send a signal to the controller25 to change the position of the deck by actuation of the deck actuatorsand/or the height of the patient support surface. Screen image 66includes various icons 66 b, 66 c that schematically show theadjustments. For example, icon 66 b schematically illustrates theraising of the support surface and further includes a text window 66 dthat displays a numerical value representing the height of the patientsupport surface relative to the ground surface. In reference to the deckposition, icons 66 c represent the deck sections and further include atext window 66 e for displaying the angular position of the respectivedeck section. Further the respective deck sections are aligned withcorresponding portions of the touch screen areas that actuate therespective deck sections to provide a cognitive association between theuser interfaces and the sections of the deck that are moved in responseto their selection.

In the illustrated embodiment, each touch screen area 66 a includes anarrow, which is oriented to indicate whether the touch screen areaincreases or decreases the angular orientations of the respective decksection or the height of the patient support surface. Additional touchscreen areas 66 f may be provided that generate signals to thecontroller to configure the patient support surface into a pre-selectedconfiguration, such as the Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburgpositions. Further, touch screen image 66 includes a window 66 g with anicon that graphically represents the Trendelenburg andreverse-Trendelenburg positions and text 66 h, which indicates the angleof the patient support surface. Further, touch screen image 66 mayinclude another text window 66 i to display the HOB angle. Again, aftera pre-selected period of time has elapsed with no selections being made,the controller may revert to displaying another screen, such as adefault screen, or may simply leave screen 66 on the display untilanother function is selected by user interface 36.

Lockouts

When user interface device 36 d is selected, a lockouts screen image 68will be generated by the controller. Screen image 68 may assume a numberof different configurations, as shown in FIGS. 31A-31D, depending on theselection made by the user. Referring to FIG. 31A, screen image 68includes an icon 68 a, which schematically represents the three sectionsof the deck support of the patient support surface. A second icon 68 bis provided, which schematically represents the elevation mechanism forthe bed. Further, screen image 68 includes user interfaces 68 c and 68d, which may be used to select whether the lockouts, to be describedbelow, apply to all the bed controls as indicated in user interface 68 dor simply to the patient controls only (68 c). When the patient controlsonly user interface is selected (66 c), the individual actuators on thebed may be blocked from use by the patient as illustrated in FIGS. 31Aand 31B. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the icon 68 gassociated with the bed elevation actuator indicates that the bedelevation actuator is not an actuator that can be adjusted by thepatient, similar to the actuator associated with the leg section of thedeck, represented by icon 68 h. Further, screen image 68 includes a userinterface 68 e, which when selected by the user unlocks all the“unblocked” actuators as shown in FIG. 31A or locks all the “unblocked”actuators as shown in FIG. 31B. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31A and31B, each representative deck section in the icon 68 a includes an icon68 f, which indicates whether the actuator associated with thatparticular deck section is locked (FIG. 31B) or unlocked (FIG. 31A).Further, only those actuators not blocked are controlled by theselection of user interface 68 e.

Referring to FIGS. 31C and 31D, when the all bed controls user interface68 d is selected, selection of user interface 68 e will control each ofthe actuators on the bed. As shown in FIG. 31C, when user interface 68 eis selected such that it displays the unlocked icon, each of therespective user interfaces 68 f, 68 g, and 68 h will indicate anunlocked condition for their respective actuators. In contrast,referring to FIG. 31D, when lockout user interface 68 e is selected todisplay a locked condition, each of the respective user interfaces 68 f,68 g, and 68 h will indicate a locked condition for their respectiveactuators.

The controller will then return the display to the main menu display 38after a period of time, as measured by the controller.

Event Manager

In addition to displaying screen images in response to input by users atuser interfaces, display 38 may display bed conditions. In theillustrated embodiment, an event manager screen image 70 is displayed inresponse to triggers from a condition at apparatus 10. For example,referring to FIG. 32, screen image 70 is displayed when an event occurs,such as the bed exit alarm is activated or when a side rail is lowered,including for example the head left or right side rail being lowered.Other alarm conditions that may be included for example, include whenthe patient support surface is wet, when the patient has not moved overa selected period of time, or for example when the patient has movedexcessively over a predetermined period of time, with each of thesealarm conditions occurrences being preprogrammed into the controller.

In the illustrated embodiment, screen image 70 includes a text window 70a, which identifies the event that has occurred. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the bed exit alarm was activated and head leftside rail was lowered, which triggered the controller to generate screenimage 70. Although the events are illustrated as being conveyed in atext message format, it should be understood that other message formatsor prompts can be used, such as icons or audible messages using thespeakers on the bed, for example.

In addition screen image 70 includes a user interface 70 b to allow auser to proceed to a menu of the events that can be monitored andgenerate notifications. Additionally, screen image 70 includes a seconduser interface 70 c, which allows the user to close and disarm the eventor alarm setting. Further, screen image 70 includes a plurality ofadditional user interfaces 70 d, which allow the user to input areminder request to the controller and, further, specify the time periodfor the reminder or prompt. For example, each user interface 70 d mayinclude a time associated therewith, which may be indicated by text orby graphical images or a combination of both. After the close and disarmuser interface has been selected or after a reminder period has beenselected, the controller will return the display to the initial screenimage at touch screen 38 a.

Scale Functions

When user interface 36 e is selected, a scale screen image 72 will begenerated and displayed, such as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 33. As willbe more fully described below, when user interface 36 e is selected, thecontroller will provide a plurality of overlay screen images with userinterfaces to guide a user through the patient weighing process.Referring to FIG. 33, the initial display 72, which is displayed whenuser interface 38 e is selected, includes a plurality of user interfaces72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72 g. Further, display 72includes a text window 72 h, which displays the current patient weightin the scale selected by user interface 72 c, which is used to selectbetween pounds and kilograms. Further, an additional text display 72 imay be provided that includes text relating to the date and time thatthe scale was last zeroed.

When the patient is to be weighed, the user will select user interface72 a. Referring to FIG. 34, when user interface 72 a is selected, thecontroller will generate an overlay display 73, which acknowledges theselection and, further, includes text letting the user know that the bedwill weigh the patient after a delay. Display 73 further includes a userinterface 73 a, which allows the user to cancel the weighing sequence.After a timed delay, which is stored in the controller, display 72 willgenerate second overlay display 74, which includes a text window 74 afor displaying the weight of the patient and, further, optionallydisplays text 74 b indicating the time and date of when the patient'sweight was taken. Further, display 74 includes a user interface 74 c toallow the user to select between pounds and kilograms. Similarly, a userinterface 74 d is provided that allows the user to close the screenimage 74 and return to the main scale screen image 72.

As described in the referenced applications, the controller calibratesthe weight of the patient based on equipment mounted to the bed.Therefore, should additional equipment be added or removed, in order toget an accurate reading on the patient's weight, the change of equipmentmust be taken into account. Therefore, when changing equipment, whetheradding or removing equipment, the user can select user interface 72 e toindicate that equipment is being changed on the bed. When user interface72 e is selected, another overlay screen image 75 (FIG. 35) will begenerated by the controller, which prompts the user to acknowledge thata change of equipment is going to occur by selecting user interface 75a. If no change of equipment is going to occur or the selection was madein error, the user may select user interface 75 b to cancel theprocedure.

In response to user interface 75 a being selected, the controllergenerates another overlay screen image 76 (FIG. 36), which instructs theuser not to touch the bed so that the weight of the bed prior to addingequipment can be precisely determined. Overlay screen image 76 mayinclude a user interface 76 a to allow the user to cancel the processand return the screen image to the main scale screen image 72 (FIG. 33).After a preselected predetermined time, which is stored in thecontroller, the controller will then generate yet another screen image77 with instructions to the user to add or remove the equipment and,further, to select user interface 77 a when the equipment change iscomplete. Optionally, screen image 77 includes another user interface 77b to once again allow the user to cancel the process and return toscreen image 72.

After the user interface 77 a is selected, which indicates to thecontroller that the equipment has been removed or added, the controllerwill again generate overlay screen image 76, which warns the user not totouch the bed, so that the computer will have time to measure the changein weight at the bed. Again, screen image 76 includes a user interfacedevice 76 a that will allow a user to cancel the process.

Referring again to FIG. 37, after any necessary equipment changeadjustment has been complete, and display 38 returns to screen image 72,a user may select the change patient weight user interface 72 f to allowthe user to change the patient's weight. When user interface 72 f isselected, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 78, whichrequests whether the user wishes to change the patient's weight andincludes a user interface 78 a that, when selected, confirms that thepatient weight is to be changed and a second user interface 78 b so thatthe user may cancel the process. When user interface 78 a is selected,the controller will generate another overlay screen image 79, whichinstructs the user not to touch the bed and, further, optionallyincludes a user interface 79 a to allow the user to cancel the process.

After a predetermined time stored within the controller, the controllerwill generate another screen image overlay 80, which includes a textwindow 80 a to confirm that the patient weight is being changed and asecond text window 80 b, which displays a combination of alphanumerictext to indicate the patient's weight. Further, screen image 80 includesuser interfaces 80 c, which allow the user to increase or decrease theweight of the patient. Once the weight is adjusted using user interfaces80 c, the user may enter the patient's weight into the controller usinguser interface 80 d. Once entered, the controller will remove theoverlay image 80 to allow the user to view the full screen of screenimage 72.

Referring again to FIG. 33, should the user select user interface 72 g,the controller will generate yet another overlay screen image 81 (FIG.38), which includes text 81 a and text windows 81 b to identify what theinitial weight of the patient is, the current weight of the patient, andthe change in weight (gain). Further, screen image 81 includes aninterface 81 c that allows the user to select between pounds andkilograms. Further, screen image 81 includes a user interface 81 d toallow the user to close the screen image and return to the main scalescreen image 72.

A further function provided by screen image 72 is to allow a user to setthe scale to zero, for example, when a patient has exited the bed. Whena user selects user interface 72 b, control system will generate anoverlay screen image 82 (FIG. 39), which displays a text message 82 a,which requests the user to confirm whether the scale should be set tozero and, further, includes a user interface 82 b to allow the user toaffirm the selection. Additionally, a user interface 82 c is provided toallow the user to cancel the process.

Once the user selects user interface 82 b, the controller will generatean overlay screen image 83 instructing the user not to touch the bed,which further includes a user interface 83 a to allow the user to cancelthe process. Once the controller has set the scale to zero, the controlsystem will remove the overlay screen image 83 to return the display toscreen image 72.

Bed Exit

As noted above, patient support apparatus 10 may incorporate a bed exitsystem. Bed exit system may be used to provide information regarding thepatient's location on the patient support surface. Further, the positionof the patient can be graphically displayed on display 38 or at a remotemonitoring station, for example, wherein the position can be displayedin a color-coded position or pressure diagram. Based on the patient'sbed position, the controller may be configured to determine thelikelihood of a patient exiting the bed and initiating an appropriatealarm if bed exiting has occurred or is likely to occur. Further, basedon the evaluation of the patient's position, movement of the patient canbe evaluated, thereby providing a means for issuing an alarm due topatient inactivity or activity, for example when an ICU patient isawakening.

As described in the referenced application, the bed exit system uses aload cell system that is incorporated into patient support 10. For thebed exit system, the load cell system is typically mounted below thedeck sections (22 a, 22 b, and 22 c) and on the load frame 23 thatmounts the deck to the base. Signals from the load cells 27 aremonitored and processed by, for example, controller 25 and, as notedabove, may be used to measure the patient's weight and, further, todetermine the weight on the individual load cell, which may correspond,for example to the foot left or right left load cell or head left orhead right load cells. An example of a suitable bed exit system isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,432, commonly owned by StrykerCorporation, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

When bed exit user interface 36 f (FIG. 41) is selected, the controllerwill generate a screen image 84 that includes a plurality of icons 84 athat represent whether the bed exit system is armed or disarmed.Further, screen image 84 includes user interfaces 84 b, 84 c, and 84 dto allow a user to select the alarm, to arm the bed exit system, ordisarm the bed exit system. When the alarm user interface 84 b isselected, screen image 53 (described previously) will be generated bythe controller, which allows the user to set the alarm, adjust thevolume of the alarm, and test the alarm.

Other Options

Referring again to FIG. 2, control assembly 30 includes a user interface36 g, which allows a user to select a plurality of bed related featuresor functions. Referring to FIG. 42, when user interface 36 g isselected, the controller will generate an options screen image 86, whichincludes a menu of options. To select from the menu of options, screenimage 86 includes a plurality of user interfaces 86 a, 86 b, 86 c, 86 d,86 e, and 86 f. It should be understood that additional options may beprovided and, further, associated with a respective user interfaceprovided at screen image 86. In the illustrated embodiment, userinterface 86 a is associated with setting the time on the controller.User interface 86 b allows a user to select a configuration of the TV.User interface 86 c allows a user to select a language for thecontroller so that text is displayed in the selected language. Userinterface 86 d allows the user to view historical data that may bestored in the controller. User interface 86 e allows a user to adjustthe brightness of a backlight provided at the patient support, and userinterface 86 f allows a user to initiate a maintenance check on thepatient support.

Referring to FIG. 43, when user interface 86 a is selected, thecontroller will generate an overlay screen image 87, which includes aplurality of user interfaces 87 a to allow the user to select the timeand date. Further, screen image 87 includes a user interface 87 b toenter the selected time and a second user interface 87 c, which allowsthe user to cancel the time setup. After the new time is entered intothe controller or the time setup process is cancelled, the controllerwill close screen image 87 to display screen image 86.

Referring to display screen image 86, if the user wishes to change theconfiguration of the TV, the user may select user interface 86 b, whichtriggers the controller to generate an overlay screen image 88 (FIG. 44)with various TV options. For each option, screen image 88 includes auser interface 88 a that allows the user to choose between the variousconfigurations for the TV, including an auto configuration, which isstored in the computer system. Further, touch screen image 88 includes auser interface 88 b to allow the user to enter and store the selectedconfiguration in the controller. Once the configuration is entered intothe controller, the controller will remove the overlay display to returnto the options display 86.

As noted above, screen image 86 includes a user interface 86 c to selectthe language of the text displayed at control module or other displayson the bed. As best seen in FIG. 45, when user interface 86 c isselected, the controller will generate a language overlay display image89, which includes a plurality of user interfaces 89 a for selectingbetween language choices, such as English, Spanish, and French. Once thelanguage is selected using user interfaces 89 a, the user can enter theselection using user interface 89 b. Once the selection is made, thecontroller will close screen image 89 to return to screen image 86. Itshould be understood that the number of language options may beincreased and/or changed.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when a user selects user interface 86 d, thecontroller will generate a history overlay screen image 90, which allowsthe user to view various histories, including the scale history, whichis actuated by user interface 90 a, the head of bed history, which isselected by actuating user interface 90 b, bed height history, which isselected by actuating user interface 90 c. Furthermore, screen image 90includes a user interface 90 d to allow the user to close the screenimage and terminate the process.

Referring to FIG. 47, when a user selects user interface 90 a, thecontroller will generate a scale history screen image 91, which includesa graphical representation 91 a of the patient's weight starting fromthe starting weight of the patient to the current weight of the patient.Further, screen image 91 includes user interfaces 91 b to allow a userto select between the various data points to check the weight of theentire history of the patient. Further, screen image 91 optionallyincludes a user interface 91 c for converting the scale from, forexample, pounds to kilograms. In addition, screen image 91 optionallyincludes a user interface 91 d, which when selected initiates thecontroller to store a selected weight using user interface 91 b.Further, as in the case of any of the screen images, screen image 91 mayincorporate a user interface to close the screen image to terminate thefunction.

When user interface 91 d is selected, the controller will generate anoverlay screen image 92, which includes a window 92 a for displaying theweight selected using user interfaces 91 b. Further, screen image 92will include a text area that displays the date and time of the weightassociated with window 92 a. Also, overlay screen image 92 includes apair of user interfaces 92 b to allow the user to look at the previousor next weight entries that stored in the controller.

Similarly, when a user selects user interface 90 b, the controller willgenerate an overlay screen image 93 that will allow a user to check theangle history of the head of the bed. For example, overlay screen image93 includes a user interface 93 a, which when selected causes thecontroller to generate another screen image 94, which includes a displayarea 94 a that lists in the illustrated embodiment in tabular form theangle history of the head of the bed. For example, display 94 caninclude the various angle ranges the last time that the head of the bedfell within that angle range within the last twelve hours and,optionally, the last time the head of the bed fell in those specificangular ranges in the last twenty-four hours. Further, screen image 94includes a user interface 94 b that allows a user to indicate to thecontroller to reset the angle data. Touch screen image 94 also includesan additional user interface 94 c, which allows the user to close thescreen image 94 to return to screen image 93.

Screen image 93 may additionally include date and time and the currentangular position of the head with the bed including the duration of timein the form of a text display. Once image 93 is closed using userinterface 93 b, the control system will return the display to screenimage 86.

When the user selects user interface 90 c, the controller will betriggered to display the bed height history. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the controller will generate a screen image 95(FIG. 47) that displays information relating to the bed height.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, screen image 95 displaysthe bed height in alphanumeric text 95 a, the duration of the bed at theheight using alphanumeric text and, further, optionally the date andtime that a user accesses the bed height history information. Further,screen image 95 includes a user interface 95 b, which allows a user toview the history over an extended period of time. When user interface 95b is selected, the controller will generate another screen image 96 witha tabulation of the height history similar to screen image 94, which mayinclude, for example, the ranges of height, the last time in the lasttwelve hours that the bed was in that range, and the last time the bedwas in that range in the last twenty-four hour period.

Further, screen image 96 includes a user interface 96 b that allows theuser to reset the data in control system 25 and, further, a userinterface 96 c to allow the user to close screen image 96 to return toscreen image 95. Similarly, screen image 95 includes a user interface 95c, which allows a user to signal to the controller to return to screenimage 86.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when a user selects user interface 86 c, thecontroller will generate an overlay screen image 97 (FIG. 48), whichincludes a plurality of user interfaces 97 a, which signal to thecontroller to adjust the intensity of the backlight on the bed and,further, the user interface 97 b enter the selected light intensity.Optionally, screen image 97 includes icons 97 c that represents thebacklight itself and, further, an icon 97 d that provides a graphicalrepresentation of the intensity of the light. Once the adjustment ismade, and the user accepts the selected intensity by selecting userinterface 97 b, which signals to the controller to adjust the lightaccordingly. The controller will then return the screen image 97 toscreen image 86 after a selected period of time as measured by thecontrol system. Optionally, screen image 97 may include a further userinterface (not shown) to close the screen image.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when the user selects user interface 86 f,control system 25 will generate an overlay screen image 98 (FIG. 49),which allows a user to check the status of the maintenance of the bed.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, screen image 98 includes aplurality of user interfaces 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, and 98 d. User interface98 a allows the user to signal to the controller to display error codes,which are displayed on a second overlay screen image 99. Image 99includes a text display 99 a that will provide an indication of anyerror codes that may exist on the bed. Further, screen image 99 includesa user interface 99 b that allows the user to close the screen image.

User interface 98 b allows the user to signal to the controller todisplay the signal values. In the illustrated embodiment, the controllergenerates another overlay screen image 100, which includes, for example,a text box 100 a that similarly lists the signal values. Further, screenimage 100 includes a user interface 100 b to allow the user to close thescreen image.

When a user selects user interface 98 c, user interface 98 c signals tothe controller 25 to list the buttons that have been pressed on the bed.In the illustrated embodiment, the controller generates yet anotherscreen image 101 with a text area or display 101 a where theidentification information relating to the selected user interface maybe displayed in alphanumeric text. Similarly, screen image 101 includesa user interface 101 b that allows the user to close the screen imageand turn to screen image 98. Once the user is completed with themaintenance check, the user can select user interface 98 a to close thescreen image and return to screen image 86.

Optionally, when user interfaces 36 a, user interface 36 c, and userinterface 36 g are selected at the same time, the controller maygenerate a screen (not shown) that allows the user to modify theconfiguration of the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 50, the control system of the present invention mayprovide additional features. These features may be added to thecontroller software or may be added by modules that are coupled to thebed control system and in communication with the controller. Forexample, additional or expanded menus, such as patient related menus maybe provided, such as an expanded protocol reminder menu 150 b, anexpanded translation module menu 150 e, a bed usage information menu 150f, and a patient monitoring menu 150 g.

Referring to FIG. 51, the expanded protocol reminder menu 150 b mayallow a user to add (151 b-153 b) or create (154 b-156 b) a protocol. Asnoted above, standard protocols may be stored in the controller, whichmay be selected by the user. The protocols may be increased by uploadingadditional protocols or providing additional modules that provide otherfunctionality. When new protocols are to be added to the control system,the protocols may be created using an input device (156 b), such as akeyboard, or input from a network or through a USB port, using a memorystick or data card or the like. For example, the controller may generatea “create new protocol” icon, which once selected would allow a user,using the keyboard at the touch screen or another key board at thecontrol module, to key in the name of the protocol code, which thenprompt the controller generate an icon at the display that representedthat protocol. Once the name of a new (whether keyed in or uploaded) thenew protocol is stored in the controller, and the new protocol will thenbe displayed on the list of protocols that can be then selected by theuser using the routine described above.

In this manner, the protocol reminder menu 150 b provides an expandedchoice of functions and protocols that can be monitored and prompted anddisplayed at display 38.

In addition, protocol reminder menu 150 b may also provide an option todocument protocols. For example, the controller may be configured tostore data (157 b) associated with a protocol. Further, the controllermay be configured to store the type and occurrence of a protocolreminder and whether the protocol was followed by the healthcare workeras indicated by an acknowledgement entered by the healthcare worker. Forexample, when a healthcare worker takes the associated action or actionsassociated with a protocol, the healthcare worker may indicate to thecontroller that the sequence or acts associated with the protocol arecomplete. This may be achieved through a user interface, which may beprovided on the display, such as a touch screen area of the display, oron a separate button provided at control panel 38 that when selectedindicates that the protocol sequence was followed. In addition, thecontroller may store the time entry of the acknowledgement. In addition,the controller may produce a report based on the data collected withregard to the protocols.

Further, the controller may have stored therein data related to one ormore of the protocols to compare the collected data to the data storedfor the respective protocol to verify conformance (159 b). In addition,as noted above, control system may provide remote monitoring (161 b) andin communication with a remote device, such as a nurses' station toallow remote monitoring of the protocols. Furthermore, the remote devicemay collect data from the controller to create a separate report or todownload the report that is generated by the controller (163 b). Inaddition, the remote device may select a protocol reminder to bedisplayed at display 38 and/or to be displayed at the remote location,such as the nurses' station (164 b).

Referring to FIG. 52, translation module menu 150 e similarly provides auser to select a language (151 e) into which the input phrase istranslated. For example, a standard set of language may be stored on thecontroller, which may include for example, English, French, Spanish,Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, or the like (152 e). Similar to translationmodule 50 e, translation module 150 e may include a choice of phrases(153 e), which may be selected for translation and may further include adatabase of words (154 e) that may be selected to create a sentence (155e). For example, the words may be combined together or may be combinedwith the pre-stored phrases, such as movement or function phrases orsafety phrases to be integrated into a sentence, which is thentranslated. These new sentences may then be stored on the controller(156 e). Furthermore, as previously noted, the control system mayoptionally include a voice recorder and player so that one or more ofthe phrases or constructed sentences may be recorded (157 e) and,further, played at the patient support (158 e). In addition to selectingthe language of the text to be displayed at display 38, the language ofthe recording being played at the patient support may also be selected.For example, a pre-selected group of recordings in the various foreignlanguages available on the controller may be recorded and played at thepatient support, which may be particularly useful when dealing with apatient that does not speak the language of the caregiver. For example,a selection of basic phrases in any one of the languages of choice onthe controller may be recorded and selected by the healthcare worker.Likewise, a selection of a plurality of phrases in the various languagesavailable on the controller may be stored for use by the patient. Forexample, the patient may select from a languages with the variousphrases available for their selection either in text display or to beplayed by the speaker of the recording/player device.

Referring to FIG. 53, as noted above, bed usage information (150 f) maybe input into the controller. For example, the bed room assignment (151f), patient related information (152 f), and nurse related information(153 f) may be input into the controller. For example, the bed roomassignment information, patient related information, and nurse relatedinformation may be input into the controller using a keyboard (154 f-156f), such as a keyboard, such as a virtual keyboard, provided on thetouch screen. Further, this information may be displayed (157 f-159 f)at display 38, for example until additional information is input intothe controller.

In addition, the control system of the present invention may incorporatea voice recognition module 160 f. Voice recognition module 160 fincludes a speaker and, further, voice recognition software, whichallows a user to speak into the microphone and have the speech convertedinto input by the software for controlling various features on the bed.For example, the voice recognition module may include a speaker that islocated for the patient's use as well as a speaker available for use bythe healthcare provider. For example, instructions received at thepatient's microphone (162 f) may be used to control various features onthe bed, such as the elevation of the head section or the foot sectionof the bed, or accessories at the bed, such as a light, TV, radio, orthe like, or to activate the nurse call system. In contrast, themicrophone located at the, for example, foot end of the bed for use byhealthcare worker, may be used to control the orientation of the bedwith some additional expanded options, for example to move the bed intoa Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, ahealthcare worker may input commands to the voice recognition module toadjust the firmness of the bed, to initiate rotational, vibration, orpercussion therapy, etc.

Referring to FIG. 54, the patient monitoring functions (150 g) may alsobe displayed at display 38. For example, as previously noted, thepatient's vital signs (151 g) may be displayed at display 38. The vitalsigns may be collected by a bed base vital signs device (152 g), whichis incorporated into the control system and which generates signals tothe controller, which in turn communicates the signals to the displaythrough the bed network (153 g) for displaying at display 38 (154 g).Alternately, a commercially available vital signs monitoring device (155g), such as a CASMED 750 available from Philips, may be coupled to thebed network, which generates signals to the controller again for displayat display 38 (154 g). For example, suitable vital signs may include thepatient's temperature, ECG, SpO2 patient's blood pressure, or the like.This may be displayed in the form of a text or graphical form.

In addition to monitoring vital signs, the control system on the bed maymonitor the pressure on the patient's skin (156 g). For example, aspreviously noted, the control system may include load cells, which canbe used to indicate the location of the patient on the bed and, further,indicate whether there is a likelihood of a high pressure zone on thepatient's body. Further, the patient support may incorporate pressuresensors in the mattress or on top of the mattress in the form of a matt,which may be used to generate a pressure map (158 g), which in turn maybe used to locate high pressure points on the patient. Knowing thepressure points on the patient support surface may enable the healthcareworker to know whether a particular part of the patient's body isvulnerable to forming sores and needs to be moved. For example, thecontroller may include a set pressure point and a set time (160 g),which when exceed indicates that the patient is vulnerable to a bedsore. When the controller detects a high pressure point, the controllermay trigger an alarm (161 g) so that the healthcare worker may adjustthe position of the patient on the bed. For example, the controller mayinitiate an alarm when a high pressure point is detected, and, further,only after a pre-selected period of time has elapsed. This may beachieved by storing on the controller a look-up table of pre-selectedpressure point values, which when exceeded trigger the alarm. Further, amatrix may be stored on the controller, which includes time periods andpressure points values, which define different combinations of pressurepoint values and time periods to serve as the trigger.

Similarly, the controller may trigger an alarm when the load cellsindicate a lack of activity on the part of the patient. For example, aspreviously noted, the load cells may be used to track the center ofgravity of the patient with the control and monitoring the movement ofthe center of gravity (157 g) to determine whether the patient ismoving. If the controller determines a patient has not moved for aperiod of time that exceeds a maximum time period (which is stored inthe controller), the controller may then trigger an alarm.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support thatincorporates a control system which provides enhanced control over oneor more the bed functions and further over information relating to thebed and to the patient. Further, the controller allows the user toselect a protocol for the patient and further have the control systemremind the user of the protocols. Additionally, the control systemallows the user to store and review patient data to help to definebetter treatment for the patient or define trends about the patient'shealing process.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,other forms and features will now be apparent to those skilled in theart. For example, the various components of the apparatus, such as theside rails, footboard, and headboard, as well as the elevation mechanismand deck actuators may be modified. Therefore, it will be understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit thescope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow asinterpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine ofequivalents.

We claim:
 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a base; a patentsupport supported by said base, and at least a portion of said patientsupport being movable relative to said base; a control system; and anactuator to pivot said at least a portion of said patient support, andsaid control system adapted to apply a voltage to drive said actuatorand further to selectively vary the voltage to move said at least aportion of said patient support at different speeds.
 2. The patientsupport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control systemincludes a user actuatable device, said control system selectivelyvarying the speed of said actuator when the user actuatable device isactuated.
 3. The patient support apparatus according to claim 2, whereinsaid user actuatable device comprises a button, a touch pad, a touchscreen, a handle, or a pedal.
 4. The patient support apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein said user actuatable device comprises a touchscreen, said touch screen having an icon associated with said actuator,wherein when said icon on said touch screen is touched the speed of saidactuator is varied.
 5. The patient support apparatus according to claim1, wherein said control system is adapted to selectively increase thevoltage applied to said actuator to thereby increase the speed of saidactuator.
 6. The patient support apparatus according to claim 5, whereinsaid control system is adapted to couple to a first power supply, thefirst power supply having a voltage, said control system converting thevoltage supplied by the first power supply to a first voltage andapplying the first voltage to said actuator to operate the actuator at afirst speed, and said control system selectively increasing the firstvoltage to a second voltage greater than the first voltage and applyingthe second voltage to said actuator to thereby increase the speed ofactuator to a second speed greater than the first speed.
 7. The patientsupport apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first power supplycomprises a power supply external to the bed.
 8. The patient supportapparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a battery having avoltage, said control system being adapted to couple to another powersupply, the other power supply having a voltage, said control systembeing adapted to convert the voltage of the other power supply into afirst voltage and to apply the first voltage to the actuator, and saidcontrol system using the voltage of the battery to selectively increasethe first voltage to the actuator.
 9. The patient support apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the other voltage supply comprises a powersupply external to the bed.
 10. The patient support apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said at least one section of the patient supportcomprises a head section, and said control system selectively increasingthe speed of said actuator until said head section is moved to asubstantially horizontal position.
 11. The patient support apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said control system further comprises asensor, said sensor detecting when said head section is moved to asubstantially horizontal position.
 12. The patient support apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of said patientsupport comprises a foot section, a head section, and a seat section,said actuator comprising a head section actuator, and said patientsupport apparatus further comprising a seat section actuator to movesaid seat section and a foot section actuator to move said foot section,wherein said control system is adapted to selectively control the speedsof said actuators and, further, to selectively increase the speeds ofsaid actuators to selectively move said foot section, seat head section,and said seat section at greater speeds.
 13. A patient support apparatuscomprising: a base; a patent support supported by said base, and atleast a portion of said patient support being movable relative to saidbase; a control system; and an actuator to pivot said at least a portionof said patient support, and said control system configured to supplypower to said actuator and, further, to selectively vary the supply ofpower to said actuator to vary the speed of the actuator to move said atleast a portion of said patient support at different speeds.
 14. Thepatient support apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said controlsystem includes a user actuatable device, said control systemselectively varying the speed of said actuator when the user actuatabledevice is actuated.
 15. The patient support apparatus according to claim14, wherein said user actuatable device comprises a button, a touch pad,a touch screen, a handle, or a pedal.
 16. The patient support apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein said user actuatable device comprises abutton, and said control system configured to increase the supply ofpower to said actuator when said button is pushed and maintained pushed.17. The patient support apparatus according to claim 15, wherein saidcontrol system is adapted increase the power supplied to the actuatoruntil said at least a portion of the patient support is in a desiredposition.
 18. The patient support apparatus according to claim 17,wherein said control system includes a sensor to detect when said atleast a portion of the patient support is in the desired position, andwhen said control system detects at least a portion of the patientsupport is in the desired position said control system ceases supplyingpower to said actuator.
 19. The patient support apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein said at least a portion of patient support comprises afoot section, a head section, and a seat section, said actuatorcomprising a head section actuator, and said patient support apparatusfurther comprising a seat section actuator to move said seat section anda foot section actuator to move said foot section, wherein said controlsystem is adapted to selectively control the speeds of said actuatorsand, further, to selectively increase the speeds of said actuators toselectively move said foot section, said seat head section, and saidseat section at greater speeds.
 20. The patient support apparatusaccording to claim 19, wherein said control system is configured to moveone or more of said actuators until said foot section, said headsection, and seat section are moved into a desired configuration, andsaid control system configured to stop supplying power to said actuatorswhen said sections are moved to the desired configuration.
 21. Thepatient support apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said controlsystem is configured to vary voltage applied to said actuator to therebyvary the power supplied to said actuator.